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Milford Sound Cruises

Discover More Cruise

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from $95.20

Milford Sound’s longest cruise; top choice for nature lovers

Small vessel, big on friendly personalised service

Includes a visit to New Zealand's only floating underwater observatory

Milford Sound’s longest cruise; top choice for nature lovers

Small vessel, big on friendly personalised service

Includes a visit to New Zealand's only floating underwater observatory

About

No other Milford Sound experience takes you further. Explore the natural world of the fiord and get closer to one of the most dramatic places on earth. The only experience in Milford Sound that includes a visit to the underwater observatory.

Discover More Cruise pre-COVID was $134, now only $119. Book online and save a further 10%
Up to 3 hr cruise duration
A longer, in-depth Milford Sound experience
Get closer for the chance to see seals, dolphins or even a rare Fiordland Crested Penguin
Our friendly team will answer your questions and provide entertaining commentary
Outdoor decks and comfortable indoor lounge decks, perfect for Milford Sound in any weather
Getting you so close to waterfalls you’ll need a raincoat
The only cruise in Milford that includes a visit to New Zealand's only floating underwater observatory
Descend 10 metres (64 steps) below the surface to check out rare black coral in its natural habitat and meet colourful sea creatures
Fresh picnic lunch included
Includes FREE tea and coffee and licensed bar onboard
Gift vouchers are available for our Milford Sound Discover More Cruise. Buy now if you don't know your travel date and you don't want to miss out!

from $95.20

Up to 3hrs

Book now

Get within touching distance of Milford's towering cliffs

Catch a glimpse of Milford's amazing wildlife

Taste pure glacial water straight from Fairy Falls

Get up close and personal with Stirling Falls

Visit Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

Get within touching distance of Milford's towering cliffs

Catch a glimpse of Milford's amazing wildlife

Taste pure glacial water straight from Fairy Falls

Get up close and personal with Stirling Falls

Visit Milford Sound Underwater Observatory

Map

Lunch

Lunch Options

Welcome aboard! Milford Sound Discover More Cruise includes a complimentary freshly prepared picnic lunch.

Please note we do not include a drink with your picnic lunch as we are trying to reduce our use of single use plastic so please take your water bottle with you
All meat is certified halal
The menu may vary at times due to seasonal supply
Please note that the ingredients and contents of each meal are only a guide and these may be subject to change
Vegetarian alternatives to all of our food options are available – please indicate your preferences when you are booking online
Vegan alternatives for some food options are also available
If you have specific dietary requirements or special group requests, please call to discuss with the reservations team
A fully licensed bar is available on all vessels except the Lady Stirling
Passengers are not permitted to bring their own alcohol onboard our vessels
We only accept credit card or cash payments, we can not accept eftpos or debit cards

A selection of snacks are available to purchase and a fully licensed bar is available on all vessels, except the Lady Stirling.

Discover More Cruise
Picnic Lunch

Discover More Cruise picnic lunch is complimentary (included in your cruise price). Freshly prepared daily, the picnic lunch includes:

- Sandwich with selected meat and salad for the regular option
- Cheese and crackers
- Seasonal fresh fruit
- Crisps
- Cookie
- Small chocolate bar

There are four available options; regular, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. When you book online, please select your preference.

Transport

from Queenstown
from Te Anau
from Milford Sound

Self Drive

Enjoy the spectacular Milford road at your own pace as you make your way to Milford Sound to join the Discover More Cruise. Car parking is available within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

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Self Drive

Enjoy the spectacular Milford road at your own pace as you make your way to Milford Sound to join the Discover More Cruise. Car parking is available within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

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Coach

Premium glass-roof coach departs Te Anau for the most in-depth day trip experience. Expert coach drivers provide time for photo stops and short walks along the Milford road journey.

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Self Drive

Enjoy the spectacular Milford road at your own pace as you make your way to Milford Sound to join the Discover More Cruise. Car parking is available within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

Book Now

"Nature at its best!"

Trip Advisor reviews

Excellent cruise and staff! Great Experience! Breathtaking Amazing trip along Milford Sound Best tourist experience ever! Awesome day on the water! Epic Adventure! Highlight of our holiday

FAQ

Where do Milford Sound cruises leave from?

All cruises leave from and return to the wharf at the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.

Do all the cruises take the same route?

Every cruise goes the full length of the fiord. Cruises stop in different places but each trip visits the major sights of interest including Stirling Falls and Harrison Cove.

Do you operate on Christmas Day?

All trips operate on different schedules. Please refer to the individual trip for dates and times. Most experiences operate on Christmas day, but are subject to schedule updates, weather conditions or Covid 19 requirements.

Will I see wildlife?

Milford Sound has an abundance of wildlife and is home to New Zealand fur seals and bottlenose dolphins year-round. Rare Dusky dolphins are known to visit the fiord and the world’s rarest penguin, the Fiordland Crested Penguin/Tawaki visits Milford during breeding season (August - November) and moulting season (March/April). While there is wildlife in Milford Sound, we can’t guarantee sightings as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. A visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory offers more wildlife viewing opportunities with an abundance of sea life below the surface.

What cruise is best for wildlife viewing?

Every cruise provides the opportunity to view wildlife, but we cannot guarantee sightings. Our Nature Cruise includes plenty of stops for viewing the amazing geology and occasional wildlife, our skipper and friendly boat hosts will be sure to point out any wildlife.

Do your lunches have vegetarian options?

Yes, picnic lunches can be ordered as vegetarian or vegan. You can select this when booking online.

Are the lunch options halal?

All meat is certified Halal.

Which Milford Cruise is best for kids?

All cruises are suitable for children.

Do you provide disabled/wheelchair access?

The only cruise vessel in Milford Sound with wheelchair access is the 'Pride of Milford' where access to the vessel is by ramp. Disabled toilet facilities are in the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal where all cruises depart from.

Will the cruise go ahead if the weather is bad?

Our operations team assess the weather and conditions for every cruise departure to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests. If weather or other events could impact on the safety and comfort of our guests, then the cruise could be postponed, or in some unusual and infrequent circumstances, the cruise could be cancelled.

What’s the difference between the cruises?

Please check out our Cruise Comparison table, where you can see our range of cruises and the vessels. https://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/milford-sound/cruises-compare/

What should I bring on my Milford Sound cruise?

Due to the changeable nature of the weather in Milford Sound, it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, warm clothing and to wear comfortable shoes. We also have ponchos available for purchase so you can enjoy a glacial facial under Stirling Falls.

Is there parking in Milford Sound?

Yes, there is paid car parking at the Milford Sound public car park. This car park does fill quickly in the summer months, so we advise getting there early.

Do you have webcams in Milford Sound and Queenstown?

Yes, you can view how the weather and day looks in both destinations. Check out our Milford Sound and Queenstown webcams here.

What weather can I expect in Fiordland?

Milford Sound is one of the wettest places in the world with an average annual rainfall of 7 metres per year. Rainfall can reach 250 millimetres in 24 hours and creates dozens of temporary waterfalls (as well as several more permanent ones) that cascade down the cliff faces, some reaching a thousand metres in height. The high rainfall is why Milford Sound is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and rainforest. The temperature in Milford can vary depending on the season and can go from an average high of 19C (66F) in summer (Dec – Feb) to 9C (48F) in winter (Jun – Aug). All our vessels have spacious indoor areas with comfortable seating for cruising in all weather conditions.

More FAQ's

Get in touch

in New Zealand

0800 264 536

Overseas

+64 3 441 1137

reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz reservations@southerndiscoveries.co.nz